Hashtag: #BermudaPrisons

In Magistrates Court this morning [Oct 9], a 19 year old woman admitted giving $75.00 to an inmate at the Westgate Correctional Facility.
Daja-Nae Smith pleaded guilty to taking a prohibited article, namely $75.00 in cash, into Westgate and giving it to inmate Bryce Daniels. This occurred on 12th September 2014.
Prosecutor Maria Sofianos told Senior... Read more of this article

Speaking in the House of Assembly today [July 4], Premier Michael Dunkley outlined the proposed amendment to section 12 of the Prison Act 2001 which would require that incarcerated persons must serve a minimum of 12 months before being eligible for parole.
Premier Dunkley said, “The parole process starts at the beginning of an inmate’s incarceration.... Read more of this article

After pleading guilty and hearing the Police evidence against her, and being warned by the Senior Magistrate that a conviction could carry a prison sentence, 37-year-old Tekania Swan asked to be allowed to change her plea from guilty to not guilty in Magistrates Court this morning.
Noting that Ms Swan was not represented by a lawyer and was receiving... Read more of this article

The judiciary of Bermuda has commented on people being incarcerated for debt, saying under existing law no “debtor should ever be imprisoned solely because they are genuinely unable to pay their debts” and that “imprisonment will only take place where a debtor has deliberately failed to comply with a court order…”
A spokesperson... Read more of this article

This week the Department of Corrections is hosting its inaugural “Corrections Week”, and earlier today [June 30], the Premier and Minister of National Security, Michael Dunkley, launched the week by reading a Proclamation at City Hall.Later in the afternoon, the Premier joined by Senator Jeff Baron, attended a Senior’s Tea for around 120 seniors... Read more of this article

The Department of Corrections announced that it will host its inaugural “Corrections Week” from June 29 – July 5.
Several events are on tap for next week and members of the public are encouraged to participate. The theme for the week is “At Your Service”.
According to a Department spokesperson, the week is aimed at highlighting the work done... Read more of this article

Appearing in Magistrates Court this morning [Apr 25], a 47 year old Westgate prisoner denied possessing cannabis inside the prison.
Appearing before Magistrate Juan Wolffe, Garrett Burrows pleaded not guilty to being in possession of cannabis in an Increased Penalty Zone in Sandys Parish. Mr. Burrows was alleged to have had the cannabis inside Westgate... Read more of this article

Minister of National Security, Michael Dunkley was on hand at the Department of Corrections’ Passing Out Parade on Friday [Apr 11] at the Westgate Correctional Facility to welcome 12 new officers into the ranks.
The Minister was joined by Commissioner of Prisons Lt. Col. Edward Lamb, National Security Permanent Secretary Major Marc Telemaque, Commissioner... Read more of this article

A 27 year old Westgate prisoner appeared in Magistrates Court this morning [Apr 11], where he denied possessing cannabis.
Noet Barnett, who is serving time for attempted murder, pleaded not guilty to possessing cannabis and doing so while in an Increased Penalty Zone, namely Westgate Correctional Facility. The charge alleged he was found in possession... Read more of this article

During a recent trip to Bermuda to investigate a report of paranormal activity, the Ghosts of New England Research Society [GONERS] took the time to tour the old Casemates prison at Dockyard, giving them the opportunity to observe the conditions in which prisoners lived, including several pieces of art left behind by former occupants.
According to the... Read more of this article

On February 11, 2014, Imagine Bermuda and Chewstick launched a collaborative pilot project at Westgate marking the Anniversary of the Release of Nelson Mandela from 27 years of imprisonment. A small team visited that facility and showed the documentary film “Nelson Mandela: The Fight for Freedom.”
A spokesperson said, “Following the... Read more of this article

Earlier today the Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley visited the Westgate Correctional Facility where twelve men, ranging from ages 24 – 44, are undergoing a 12-week training course in anticipation of joining the ranks of the Department of Corrections.
The programme involves fitness training, defensive tactic training, practical testing... Read more of this article